JACKIE McNAMARA believes teams are now scared of what his rampant Dundee United side can do to them.

The Tannadice outfit will attempt to score four or more goals for the sixth game in a row on Saturday – equalling a club record from 1936.

And the Terrors gaffer says it’s their desire to bludgeon opponents into submission that has struck fear into the rest of Scotland’s top flight.

McNamara is well aware of the pressure that comes with being a successful, free-scoring side. But rather than be fazed by it, he wants to embrace the new expectation levels on the Tangerine half of Tayside.

The United manager is desperate for his youngsters to continue their stunning run of form against Ross County on Saturday but he won’t take anything for granted.

He goes into the game full of confidence though, and reckons his side’s relentless pursuit of goals late in games is what makes them a frightening proposition.

And that’s why he’s convinced their rivals are now trying to shackle his talented stars such as Gary Mackay-Steven, Stuart Armstrong and Ryan Gauld.

McNamara said: “Other teams have been shell-shocked against us because of our fitness late on in games when we’re attacking.

“Sometimes teams look for respite in a match but if we keep going for 90 minutes we believe we’ll get a result, no matter how long it takes.

“Do teams fear us? You can see that by the way they set up against us.

“They try to frustrate us by setting up their team in a specific way, usually to sit in and catch us on the break.

“For me, it’s a compliment that they’re worried about us. But we can’t get distracted, we have to keep doing what we’re doing.

“We’ve scored the majority of our goals in the last half hour of games so that shows our fitness is there and patience is key for us.

“Is it dangerous for people to expect us to score four in every game? It’s not a danger, it’s just expectation and that’s what I want to create here.

“I want the players to live up to it and handle it. In the last few games they have handled it very well and got convincing results.

“We know we’re capable of scoring late goals because our fitness levels are very good and there’s a real desire to keep going.”

United have won their last five Premiership matches but the gaffer points to a terrific display against County in the Highlands back in September as the moment his side really clicked into gear this term.

That 4-2 triumph sparked something in McNamara’s young side and they haven’t looked back since.

The Staggies, on the other hand, have so far endured a difficult campaign after a brilliant season last year.

The Tangerines’ gaffer knows it won’t be easy against Derek Adams’ side and says his team will need graft as well as guile to bag a victory.

He said: “We have to be wary of Ross County. Because of the results we’ve had recently there’s an expectation now that we just need to turn up and get three points.

“But we know that’s not the case. They’ve had a difficult time recently but they’ll want to turn the corner and make it as difficult as possible for us.

“Our victory in Dingwall was where our run really started, it was an excellent performance.

“We went 4-0 up after 70 minutes before they came back into it near the end – that display was one of our best this season.

“County will be like a wounded animal. They have pride and they’re professionals so they will come here looking for a result.

“We know it can take time to break teams down but if we keep chipping away we’ll get our reward at the end of it.

“The last two games have been different, we’ve had to battle. And there’s always room for improvement.

“That’s what we’re striving for because we can get better.”

Yet another of United’s kids, Andrew Robertson, has been linked with a move to Premiership high-flyers Everton, with Roberto Martinez’ scouts impressed with the 19-year-old full-back.

McNamara isn’t surprised in the interest but is certain it won’t distract him or his player.

He said: “We’ve had no contact from Everton about Robertson and I’m not expecting any.

“We want to keep these boys together for as long as possible. It doesn’t surprise me that they’re being linked with those types of clubs.

“But if you start thinking about it you can lose your focus so it won’t affect Andrew or myself.”